Tributes from Northamptonshire for MP killed doing her job

Kate Cronin

Politicians from Northamptonshire have spoken of their shock at the death of colleague Jo Cox.

The Batley and Spen MP was killed in her constituency yesterday and the political world has reacted with disbelief.

Now her friends and colleagues in Northamptonshire have taken to social media to express their sadness.

Corby and East Northamptonshire MP Tom Pursglove said: “Devastating news. Can’t even begin to get my head around this. My thoughts and prayers are with Jo Cox’s family at this awful, awful, time.”

Northampton North MP Michael Ellis said: “I am horrified to hear of the shocking and senseless death of Jo Cox. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

His Northampton South Conservative colleague David Mackintosh said: “Devastated to hear Jo Cox has passed away. I last saw her yesterday and we talked about our campaign to end homelessness. RIP my friend.”

Jo, 41, was stabbed and shot outside her weekly surgery in Birstall. A local man, Thomas Mair, has been arrested and is being questioned by police in connection with the incident.

Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, said on Twitter: “Utterly terrible loss of Jo Cox. Unbearable for her family - all our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Former Corby MP Andy Sawford said that Jo was his friend. Speaking on Facebook, he said: “I can’t think of any words. I’ve tried. Only sadness. She was a mum, a wife, a daughter and a friend. Rest in peace Jo.”

Jo was an ardent ‘Remain’ campaigner and East Midlands MEP Glenis Willmott said: ““We are deeply shocked and saddened at this tragic news. Jo dedicated her life to public service, as an MP, a charity worker and an activist. She is fondly remembered by colleagues who worked with her in the European Parliament and she will be deeply missed. It is simply incomprehensible that something so horrific could happen to Jo while she was working hard to serve her constituents.